This Healthy Sugar-Free Royal Icing gives you the same glossy, smooth, pipeable texture as classic royal icing — but without the huge amount of powdered sugar. Perfect for decorating Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, holiday shapes, and festive treats while keeping calories low and sweetness natural.
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Instead of traditional powdered sugar, we use powdered erythritol (or Swerve), which creates the same texture with 0 added sugar. This lighter version aligns with recommendations from the NHS, WHO, and Heart & Stroke Foundation to reduce added sugar during the holiday season.
Healthy Icing Nutrition Snapshot
➡️ Calories per tbsp: 15–20 kcal
➡️ Added sugar: 0 g
➡️ Texture: Glossy, pipeable, quick-drying
➡️ Perfect for: Christmas cookies, gingerbread, holiday decorating
➡️ Calories per tbsp: 15–20 kcal
➡️ Added sugar: 0 g
➡️ Texture: Glossy, pipeable, quick-drying
➡️ Perfect for: Christmas cookies, gingerbread, holiday decorating
Ingredients (Sugar-Free Royal Icing)
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered erythritol (Swerve) | 1 cup | 0 kcal |
| Egg white (or 3 tbsp aquafaba) | 1 large | 17 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Lemon juice (for shine) | ½ tsp | 1 kcal |
Yield: Enough for 15–20 cookies • Calories: 15–20 kcal per tbsp
How to Make Healthy Royal Icing (Step-by-Step)
- Place the egg white (or aquafaba) in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk for 20–30 seconds until slightly foamy.
- Add powdered erythritol slowly while mixing.
- Beat for 2–3 minutes until smooth, shiny, and thick.
- Add vanilla extract and lemon juice for flavor and gloss.
- If too thick → add a few drops of water. If too thin → add 1 tbsp more erythritol.
- Divide into bowls and add natural colors.
Texture Guide:
- Thick icing: For piping borders and details
- Medium icing: For writing or small designs
- Thin icing: For flooding cookies
How to Color Sugar-Free Royal Icing Naturally
| Color | Healthy Source |
|---|---|
| Red | Beet powder |
| Green | Matcha powder |
| Brown | Cocoa powder |
| Yellow | Turmeric (very small amount) |
Tips for Perfect Christmas Royal Icing
- Use lemon juice for shine.
- Let cookies cool fully before decorating.
- Dry at room temperature for 6–8 hours.
- Store decorated cookies in a single layer.
- Add zero-sugar sprinkles for a festive touch.
Regular Royal Icing vs Healthy Sugar-Free Version
| Version | Sugar | Calories per tbsp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Royal Icing | 28g sugar | 110 kcal | Powdered sugar base |
| Sugar-Free Healthy Icing | 0g sugar | 15–20 kcal | Powdered erythritol base |
Explore more healthy holiday recipes:
➡️ Occasions Recipes
➡️ Low-cal Appetizers
➡️ Healthy Drinks
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